Kremlin Tightens Grip On Ukraine War Coverage

The Russian parliament has passed a bill introducing sentences of up to 15 years in prison for intentionally spreading “fake” information about military action. Russian state news agencies reported Friday the passing of the bill in the third and final reading. The development came amid a crackdown by Russian authorities on independent media and criticism of last week’s invasion of Ukraine. Spreading what Russian authorities deem to be false information is punishable by up to three years in prison, or 15 years if it is deemed to have “severe consequences.” The bill also bans calling for sanctions to be implemented against Russia.